With Spring well and truly upon us, and the first hail storms of the season already rolling through, now is the time to get your home prepared for the Summer storm season. Here are a few simple things that you can do now to ensure your roof is prepared.
Inspect your roof
To ensure your roof is in the best condition it can be before storm season hits, conduct a visual inspection of your roof. Things to check for include:
- Loose or unsecured metal sheets or roof tiles
- Any rusted or damaged sheets
- Cracked or worn rubber dektites around vent pipes
- Any loose or rusted roof screws
- Roof ventilators are spinning freely
- Blocked gutters and downpipes
Clean your gutters
Check your gutters for any existing damage and give them a good clean out. Check for any damage that could weaken your gutters and cause damage during heavy winds and rain.
Remove leaves, branches and any debris from your gutters. Leaf litter and debris drastically reduces the lifespan of the drainage system as it causes the gutter to pond water and prematurely corrode. During heavy rain, it is not uncommon for blocked gutters to build up with too much water, causing the gutter to fall off the brackets onto the ground.
Now may the time to consider installing gutter guard to your gutters. Gutter guard is essential for homes which are connected to rainwater tanks to ensure the water is of the highest quality possible. It also helps reduce the risk of fire in bushfire prone zones and means that you never have to worry about cleaning leaves and debris off your gutters again.
The gutter guard system also stops unwanted pests such as birds, possums and snakes from entering your roof cavity.
Trim your trees!
Overhanging branches can break in storms and cause significant damage to your roof or overhead powerlines, making it very dangerous for you and your family. Take the time to assess any surrounding trees. If there are any signs of dead branches or large overhanging branches, trim them back.
Ensure your insurance is up to date
Now is a good time to ensure that your home insurance is up to date and adequate to protect you in the event of a storm. If you do unfortunately experience a storm that damages your roof, contact the Ascent Building Solution team for a comprehensive roof inspection. One of our friendly team members can meet with you on site to inspect the damage and provide a written report including digital photos along with a quote.
Safety first
These tips are intended for guidance only, and your safety should always come first. If you do choose to undertake a DIY roof inspection, always use proper safety precautions such as working with a suitable ladder, wearing shoes with proper traction and only walking on the screw line. NEVER get onto a roof in bad weather, including during rain or windy conditions.
If you have any doubts about doing the inspection yourself, contact us to conduct the inspection for you.
